Luke 2 New International Version

The Birth of Jesus

2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. ² (This was the first census that took place while^[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) ³ And everyone went to their own town to register.

⁴ So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. ⁵ He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. ⁶ While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, ⁷ and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

1. Wonderful story of love;
   Tell it to me again;
   Wonderful story of love;
   Wake the immortal strain!
   Angels with rapture announce it,
   Shepherds with wonder receive it;
   Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
   Wonderful story of love.
   • Refrain:
     Wonderful! Wonderful!
     Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
2. Wonderful story of love;
   Though you are far away;
   Wonderful story of love;
   Still He doth call today;
   Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
   Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
   E’en from the dawn of creation,
   Wonderful story of love.
3. Wonderful story of love;
   Jesus provides a rest;
   Wonderful story of love;
   For all the pure and blest,
   Rest in those mansions above us,
   With those who’ve gone on before us,
   Singing the rapturous chorus,
   Wonderful story of love.